MANKATO, Minn. --- Third-rated Minnesota State kept up its home field dominance at Blakeslee Stadium Saturday afternoon as it shutout the Minot State Beavers 58-0.

With the win, MSU improves to 3-0 on the season while MISU falls to 0-3. MSU's shutout marks the second time this season MSU has shutout an opponent. The last time Minnesota State shutout two opponents in a season came during the 2011 season against Minnesota Crookston (42-0) and Southwest Minnesota State (38-0).

The Maverick defense once again kept its opponent off the scoreboard at home as it held the Beavers to 217 total yards of offense, while coming up with three interceptions.

Senior Nathan Hancock posted his first interception of the season, as he returned it to the end zone for MSU's second touchdown of the game. Freshman Shaun Schindler and junior Justin Otto each picked up an interception as well.

Junior Tyler Henderson tallied a team-high nine tackles, with freshman Brendan Chrystal following with seven tackles. As a team, MSU tallied four quarterback sacks, with junior Joshua Gordon leading the way with two. Junior Jordan Campbell and Schindler each posted a sack as well.

The Maverick special teams also made its share of plays in MSU's shutout victory. Junior Alden Haffar went a perfect 3-of-3 in field goal attempt from 28, 51 and 46 yards out. He also booted six touchbacks. Sophomore Justin Erickson also blocked a punt that was scooped up by junior Chad Zastrow, who returned it six yards for the touchdown.

The Maverick offense tallied a total of 58 points in its win over the Beavers, including 450 yards of total offense.

A total of nine Mavericks ran with the ball as they combined for 260 rushing yards and three touchdown carries. Senior Andy Pfeiffer led MSU with 49 rushing yards and a touchdown, while junior Connor Thomas added 48 rushing yards. Freshman Zach Evans rushed for 39 yards and a touchdown, with junior Kyle Riggot adding 36 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Through the air sophomore Ricky Lloyd threw for 100 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Nick Pieruccini tallied 88 passing yards and a touchdown.

Pfeiffer led the MSU receiving corps with 60 receiving yards, while senior Dorian Buford and junior Bryce Duncan each hauled in a touchdown pass.

MSU has now won its last 20 NSIC contests at home. The Mavericks have also extended their NSIC winning streak to 25 games.

Minnesota State hits the road to take on Bemidji State on Saturday, Sept. 27. The opening kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

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